Jarred Lorusso

My research focuses on the modelling of psychiatric illness in non-human species. Specifically, I am interested in how we effectively capture the cognitive heterogeneity seen in the diagnoses of psychosis and schizophrenia when using a preclinical model. 

I predominantly focus on environmental risk factors such as maternal immune activation (MIA) and the role of the postnatal environment as both further insults and/or interventions to reduce dysfunction. 

I am additionally interested in the mechanisms that drive genre media consumption. Specifically, I am interested in the individual differences that drive some people to find this media enjoyable, and others, aversive.

My approach to teaching is student-focused. I aim to ensure that every student feels their unique needs are met, and their questions are answered. To do so, I employ a wide array of techniques such as gamification and scaffolding to ensure that everyone feels engaged, but also supported to the point their own skills are refined. 

I also find it extremely important to engage with students on topics that they may find interesting or relevant. One such way is through a reocurring engagement project I began as a collaboration with other lecturers both at the University of Brighton and the University of Manchester. This project aims to apply research and theory from Psychology and Neuroscience to media from the Horror genre, affording students the opportunity to see the 'science of the scare.'